You certainly do not have to be an idiot to find lots of simple-to-understand, helpful information in the newly released Idiot's Guides, available in stores and online just in time for fall classes.

A new angle on angles

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geometry, Second Edition by Denise Szecsei, Ph.D. (ISBN: 9781592576593, $16.95)

Just about every high school and college student can use help in making the study of geometry non-intimidating, easy to understand, and even fun. This guide is the ideal resource companion to high school and college textbooks, presenting geometry concepts in a fun, interesting, and simple to understand way. Written by a math professor who developed a geometry class for liberal arts students, this updated edition covers a standard curriculum and includes real-life examples and a new workbook section.

Beyond the basics of Spanish

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Intermediate Spanish, Second Edition by Steven Hawson (ISBN: 9781592575831)

Spanish is the most popular foreign language in American schools and businesses, and each day, more and more opportunities arise requiring and expanded Spanish language skills. This practical, easy-to-follow guide offers exercises and smart advice to help individuals improve their language skills on their own. This updated edition offers expanded coverage of grammar and vocabulary, as well as idiomatic usage, irregular verbs and conversational elements. In addition, a new workbook section has been included for increased understanding and retention. No other book offers intermediate Spanish in this easy-to-understand format.

From Austin to Updike and in between

The Complete Idiot's Guide to English Literature by Jay Stevenson, Ph.D. (ISBN: 9781592576562, $18.95)

While the canon of English literature is filled with familiar names like Chaucer, Milton, Keats, Shakespeare, Dickens, Bellow and Morrison, and many have read some of their books, poems and plays, few people have a true understanding of the complexities of British and American literature. Written especially for high school and college students, author and English professor Jay Stevenson tells readers everything they need to know about the study of English literature, including how to get the most out of every class, an understanding of the different periods and time frames, the various types of criticism and the differences and similarities of literature on each side of the Atlantic.

Work your brain

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Brain Games by Matt Gaffney (ISBN: 9781592576319, $8.95)

If you get tired of studying math, literature or foreign language, there's no better way to unwind and still challenge your brain by working your way from the easy to the really difficult puzzles in The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Brain Games.

Mind games -- the puzzle variety that is -- keep logic and memory sharp and are just plain fun. To get the gray matter moving, puzzle expert Matt Gaffney has assembled the perfect collection of challenging games, including more than 200 original and unique puzzles in 20 different categories (complete with solutions).

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